Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

Tech. Sgt. Matt Leake, 22nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms and maintenance instructor, fires an M18 pistol Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Defenders are adopting the handgun to enhance base security with modern firearm technology. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

An M18 pistol’s slide locks to the rear after the last round of the magazine is fired Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The sidearm features interchangeable grips to best fit the user’s hand. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

A 22nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor aims an M18 pistol down range Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The handgun has many features, from the glowing sights to the lightweight frame, making it a practical and efficient weapon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

Tech. Sgt. Matt Leake, 22nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor, fires an M18 pistol Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Leake must be proficient on the base’s inventory of firearms to teach others about the weapon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

Tech. Sgt. Matt Leake, 22nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor, aims an M18 pistol Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The gun’s night sights allow quick sight acquisition in low-light situations, getting them on target in difficult situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

Tech. Sgt. Matt Leake, 22nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor, aims an M18 pistol down range Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Security Forces recently acquired the new modular handgun to phase out the M9 pistol. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Trigger time with Air Force’s newest sidearm

Published Jan. 16, 2020
By Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kansas -- Tech. Sgt. Matt Leake, 22nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms and maintenance instructor, fires an M18 pistol Jan. 10, 2019, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Defenders are adopting the handgun to enhance base security with modern firearm technology. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury)